Flooding in Boscastle

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Flooding in Boscastle 16th August 2004
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Map of Boscastle.
Aerial Photo.
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Impacts of the flood TASK Make two lists of
the potential impacts of this flooding event.
The first list should be short term and the
second list should be longer term.
Around 75 cars and 6 buildings were washed into
the sea, several boats were also lost, along with
uprooted trees and other debris. In an operation
lasting from mid-afternoon until 230 AM, a fleet
of seven helicopters rescued about 150 people
clinging to trees and the roofs of buildings and
cars. Amazingly, no major injuries or loss of
life were reported. About 90 of Boscastles
economy is tourism and about 2/3 of this income
usually occurred during the school holidays.
Picture www.cornwall-calling.co.uk
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• Causes of the flood
• Heavy localised rainfall. 89mm of rain fell in
  an hour.
• Saturated ground from previous rainfall.
• Topography of the land the landscape upstream
  of Boscastle acts as a funnel, directing vast
  volumes of water into the village. The valley
  sides are steep sided.
• Narrow river channels in the village itself.

Boscastle Harbour
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Saturated ground.
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The narrow valley can be appreciated when looking
upstream from the harbour.
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The river channel is very narrow.
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How have decision makers responded? A 4.5m
scheme to improve flood defences.
Boscastle main car park.
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The scheme stretches along the valley,
incorporating drainage, sewerage systems and land
re-grading.
Boscastle main car park.
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The river lies here.
Boscastle car park is being raised in height.
This will stop the river from bursting its banks
so easily.
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This drain allows water to run into the lower
section of the river quickly.
Boscastle flood defences.
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The river channel is being made deeper and wider
so that it can accommodate more water.
The lower section of the village.
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New sewerage systems are being put in place.
The lower section of the village.
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Bridges that hindered the drainage of the
floodwater are being replaced by stronger bridges
that are less likely to get blocked.
Notice attempts to draw in much needed custom.
The lower section of the village.
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Reminders of the flood remain throughout the
village.
The core of the village.
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Many buildings have indicators to show the
height of the flood water.
The core of the village.
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Whether flooding is prevented remains to be
seen...
The lower section of the village February 2007.